Apparatus and method for powering a mobile device

ABSTRACT

A system, topology, and methods for providing power or data to electronic devices are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. The system may include an internal power source, charging module, modem, and an external power coupling module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC section 120 as aContinuation of application Ser. No. 14/308,710, entitled, “APPARATUSAND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING DATA AND POWER WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICES,”and filed on Jun. 19, 2014 which is a Continuation of application Ser.No. 13/348,592, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POWERING MOBILEDEVICES”, and filed on Jan. 11, 2012, which is a Continuation-in-Part ofapplication Ser. No. 12/572,276, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FORPOWERING MOBILE DEVICES”, and filed on Oct. 2, 2009 and claims priorityunder 35 USC section 119 to application Ser. No. 61/453,114, entitled“APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POWER TO AND COMMUNICATING DATA WITHELECTRONIC DEVICES”, and filed on Mar. 15, 2011, Application Ser. No.61/158,735, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING A MOBILEDEVICE”, and filed on Mar. 9, 2009, and application Ser. No. 61/180,836,entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING A MOBILE DEVICES”, and filedon May 22, 2009, each application is considered as being part of thedisclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. The present application is also related to PCTApplication PCT/US10/26573, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERINGELECTRONIC DEVICES”, and filed on Mar. 8, 2010, this application isconsidered as being part of the disclosure of the accompanyingapplication and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to apparatus forcommunicating electrical power or data with electronic devices.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It may be desirable to be able to communicate power and data with one ormore electronic devices using a single device coupled or uncoupled to anindependent or external power source. The present invention providesdevices for same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and datacommunication architecture with two power and data communicationelements decoupled according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and datacommunication architecture with two power and data communicationelements coupled according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a front view of a simplified diagram of an electronic devicepower and data communication architecture according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 1D is a back view of a simplified diagram of electronic devicepower and data communication architecture according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 1E is another back view of a simplified diagram of an electronicdevice power and data communication architecture and external powersource cavity according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1F-1I are simplified diagrams of electronic device power and datacommunication architecture external power source mechanical interfacesaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an architecture including a firstelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an architecture including a secondelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an architecture including a firstelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of an architecture including a secondelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an architecture including a firstelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an architecture including a secondelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an architecture including a firstelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an architecture including a secondelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an architecture including a firstelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of an architecture including a secondelectronic device power and data communication element according tovarious embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6E are flow diagrams illustrating several methods according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an architecture including a first and asecond electronic device power and data communication element accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an architecture including an electronicdevice power and data communication element according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a simplified diagram of an electronic devicepower and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9B is a front view of a simplified diagram of another electronicdevice power and data communication apparatus according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a communication architecture comprisingelectronic devices, an EDPDC apparatus, and base station according tovarious embodiments.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are isometric diagrams of architecture includingelectronic device power and data communication apparatus according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 11D is an exposed diagram of architecture including electronicdevice power and data communication apparatus according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 11E is a partial diagram of an electrical connector of anelectronic device power and data communication apparatus according tovarious embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12C are diagrams of an electrical power connector assembly andcomponents of the apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13B are diagrams of another electrical power connectorassembly of an electronic device power and data communication apparatusaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a partial diagram of an electrical connector of an electronicdevice power and data communication apparatus according to variousembodiments.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are flow diagrams illustrating several methodsaccording to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified diagrams of electronic device power anddata communication architecture 500A according to various embodiments.The architecture 500A includes two, separable electronic device powerand data communication (EDPDC) apparatus 520A, 520B where the secondEDPDC apparatus 520B may be couplable with the first EDPDC apparatus520A. In an embodiment the second EDPDC apparatus 520B may be recessedin at least a portion 550 of the first EDPDC apparatus 520A as shown inFIG. 1B. In an embodiment the first EDPDC apparatus 520A may include afirst external or independent power input coupling 530A and a secondexternal power input mechanical coupling 42A, an electronic device powerand data interface (“EDPDI”) 540A, a second EDPDC apparatus power outputinterface 550, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI) 66, aninternal memory module (IMM) 68 (shown in FIG. 2A and others), aninternal transceiver/modem module (TMM) 67A, an internal antenna 67B,and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices 58A.

FIG. 1F-1I are simplified diagrams of EDPDC architecture external powersource mechanical interfaces 43A, 43B according to various embodiments.Each external power source mechanical interfaces 43A, 43B may beremovably couplable to an external power source cavity (42B in FIG. 1E).The cavity 42B may have a plurality of electrical contacts 42C-42F thatmay couple various electrical contacts 43C-43F of the external powersource mechanical interfaces 43A, 43B. In an embodiment, the externalpower source mechanical interfaces 43A, 43B may be configured to coupleto an external alternating current (AC) power source where powercharacteristics of the external AC power source may vary geographicallyas well known to one of skill in the art, e.g., the operating voltagemay be about 100, 110, and 220 volts. In order to prevent potentialdamage to AC powered devices, different external AC power sources mayrequire different mechanical interfaces (44A, 44B).

In an embodiment the external power source mechanical interface 43A mayhave electrical contacts 43E, 43F that engage contacts 42E, 42F when theinterface 43A is inserted into the cavity 42B. Similarly, the externalpower source mechanical interface 43B may have electrical contacts 43C,43D that engage contacts 42C, 42D when the interface 43B is insertedinto the cavity 42B. Contacts 42E, 42F may be configured to receiveexternal AC power having one of a voltage about 100 or 110 volts andabout 220 volts. Similarly, Contacts 42C, 42D may be configured toreceive external AC power having one of a voltage about 220 volts andabout 100 or 110 volts. In an embodiment an external power sourcemechanical interface 43A, 43B may be rotatably inserted into the cavity42B. Further, the external power source mechanical interface 43A, 43Bprongs 44A, 44B may be foldable within the interface 43A, 43B.

In an embodiment, the interface 43A prongs 44A may be straight bladesthat are designed to couple to an external AC power source having abouta 100 or 110 voltage and the contacts 42E, 42F may be configured to becoupled to an AC power source having about a 100 or 110 voltage. Theinterface 43B prongs 44B may be cylindrical and designed to be coupledto an external AC power source having about a 220 voltage and thecontacts 42C, 42D may be configured to be coupled to an AC power sourcehaving about a 220 voltage.

The second EDPDC apparatus or module 520B may include a power inputcoupling 530B, an EDPDI (EDPI) 540B, and a plurality of user perceptiblesignal generation devices 58B. In an embodiment the first EDPDCapparatus 520A via interface 550 may provide one of AC or direct current(DC) power to the second EDPDC apparatus 520B via the power inputcoupling 530B. In the first and the second EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B,the user perceptible signal generation devices 58B may provide anindication of the device's operation including whether the device iscoupled to an external power source, an internal power storage unitlevel (56A, 56B, FIGS. 2A, 2B), charging status of an internal powerstorage unit, discharge state of an internal power storage unit, datacommunication between the EDPDC apparatus 520A or 520B and anotherdevice 30, and the EDPDC apparatus receiving power from another device30 (see FIG. 2A).

The EDPDC architecture 500A may include a data memory storage interface(“DMSI”) module 66 that may interface with one or more memory devicesincluding a compact flash card, secure digital (SD), miniSD, microSD, SDhigh capacity (SDHC), miniSDHC, microSDHC, SD extended capacity, andmemory stick. The DMSI 66 may conform to the SD input-output (SDIO)standard to enable a data memory card and other devices to communicateelectronic data with via the electronic device power and data interface(EDPDI) 540A. The other devices may include a Bluetooth interface andbroadband data interface. The EDPDC architecture 500A may also includeinternal, non-volatile and volatile electronic data internal memorymodules (“IDM”) 68 where the electronic data may be communicated via theEDPDI 540A.

The EDPDC architecture 500A may also include a transceiver andmodulator/demodulator module (TMM) 67A (FIG. 2A) coupled to an internalantenna 67B (FIG. 2A). The TMM 67A may be any device capable orcommunicating data in one or more data communication formats includingwireless and wired formats. Referring to FIG. 10, the TMM 67A may beincluded in an EDPDC apparatus 520A. The EDPDC apparatus 520A may bepart of a wireless architecture 902 that may include one or morewireless or wired devices 30A to 30D and a wireless data or voiceprovider base station 904. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 520A mayinclude a TMM 67A and antenna 67B coupled to the TMM 67A. The TMM 67Amay include a transceiver and modem that may communicate digital data orvoice signals with one or more electronic devices (30A to 30D) and thedigital data and voice signal base station 902. The base station 904 maybe part of a larger network that may communicate with other basestations, electronics devices 30, EDPDC apparatus 520A 500A, 500B, 500B,520B, 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A,900B, 900C, computers, and networks of networks (commonly termed the“Internet”). In an embodiment the base station 904 may communicate datawith the EDPDC apparatus 520A TMM 67A using one or more known digitalcommunication formats including a cellular protocol such as codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), cellular digital packetdata (CDPD), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX),satellite format (COMSAT) format, and local protocol such as wirelesslocal area network (commonly called “WiFi”) and Bluetooth.

In an embodiment, the EDPDC apparatus 520A TMM 67A may communicatedigital signals with the base station 904 using a first digitalcommunication protocol and the electronic devices 30A to 30D using asecond, different communication protocol. For example, the EDPDCapparatus 520A TMM 67A may communicate with the base station 904 using acellular protocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA), timedivision multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or COMSATprotocol and communicate with the electronic devices 30A to 30D using alocal protocol including WiFi and Bluetooth.

As known to one skilled on the art the Bluetooth protocol includesseveral versions including v1.0, v1.0B, v1.1, v1.2, v2.0+EDR, v2.1+EDR,v3.0+HS, and v4.0. The Bluetooth protocol is an efficient packet-basedprotocol that may employ frequency-hopping spread spectrum radiocommunication signals with up to 79 bands, each band 1 MHz in width, therespective 79 bands operating in the frequency range 2402-2480 MHz.Non-EDR (extended data rate) Bluetooth protocols may employ a Gaussianfrequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation. EDR Bluetooth may employ adifferential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) modulation.

The WiFi protocol may conform to an Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol. The IEEE 802.11 protocolsmay employ a single-carrier direct-sequence spread spectrum radiotechnology and a multi-carrier orthogonal frequency-divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) protocol. In an embodiment, one or more electronicdevices 30A to 30D may communicate with the EDPDC apparatus 520A TMM 67Avia a WiFi protocol.

The cellular formats CDMA, TDMA, GSM, CDPD, and WiMax are well known toone skilled in the art. It is noted that the WiMax protocol may be usedfor local communication between the one or more electronic devices 30Ato 30D and the EDPDC apparatus 520A TMM 67A. The WiMax protocol is partof an evolving family of standards being developed by the Institute ofElectrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) to define parameters of apoint-to-multipoint wireless, packet-switched communications systems. Inparticular, the 802.16 family of standards (e.g., the IEEE std.802.16-2004 (published Sep. 18, 2004)) may provide for fixed, portable,and/or mobile broadband wireless access networks. Additional informationregarding the IEEE 802.16 standard may be found in IEEE Standard forLocal and Metropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: Air Interface for FixedBroadband Wireless Access Systems (published Oct. 1, 2004). See alsoIEEE 802.16E-2005, IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan AreaNetworks—Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed and Mobile Broadband WirelessAccess Systems—Amendment for Physical and Medium Access Control Layersfor Combined Fixed and Mobile Operation in Licensed Bands (publishedFeb. 28, 2006). Further, the Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess (WiMAX) Forum facilitates the deployment of broadband wirelessnetworks based on the IEEE 802.16 standards. For convenience, the terms“802.16” and “WiMAX” may be used interchangeably throughout thisdisclosure to refer to the IEEE 802.16 suite of air interface standards.

In an embodiment, one or more electronic devices 30A to 30D may becoupled the the EDPDC apparatus 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 140A, 140B,240A, 240B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A, 900B, 900C TMM 67Avia a physical connection such as 540A, 540B shown in FIG. 1A. The TMM67A may employ one or more wired digital data communication protocols tocommunicate with an electronic device 30A to 30D in such an embodimentincluding the Ethernet protocol or Internet protocol (IP), IEEE 802.3.Using wired or wireless communication, an EDPDC apparatus 520A mayenable an electronic device 30A to 30D to communicate digital with theInternet and corresponding act as a “mobile hotspot” or mobile broadbanddevice. In an embodiment the antenna 67B may be circular antenna withmultiple, selectable connections to elect the wavelength/frequency ofsignals to be communicated with an electronic device 30A to 30D and basestation 920.

FIG. 1C is a front view of a simplified diagram of another EDPDCarchitecture 500B according to various embodiments and FIG. 1D is a backview of the simplified diagram of the EDPDC architecture 500B accordingto various embodiments. The architecture 500B may include a firstexternal or independent power input coupling 530B and a second externalpower input mechanical coupling 42A, an EDPDI 540B, a data memorystorage interface module (DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68(shown in FIG. 2A and others), TMM 67A, an antenna 67B, and a pluralityof user perceptible signal generation devices 58B. FIG. 1E is a backview of a simplified diagram of the EDPDC architecture 500B externalpower source cavity 42B according to various embodiments where the EDPDCarchitecture external power source mechanical interfaces 43A, 43B may beremovably couplable to the external power source cavity 42B.

The cavity 42B may have a plurality of electrical contacts 42C-42F thatmay couple various electrical contacts 43C-43F of the external powersource mechanical interfaces 43A, 43B. The user perceptible signalgeneration devices 58B may provide an indication of the architecture's500B operation including whether the device is coupled to an externalpower source, an internal power storage unit level (56B, FIG. 2B),charging status of an internal power storage unit, discharge state of aninternal power storage unit, and power received from an EDPDI 540B.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an EDPDC architecture 10A according tovarious embodiments. The EDPDC architecture 10A may include an externalpower source 20A, an EDPDC apparatus 520A, and an electronic device 30that may be DC powered. The electronic device 30 may be powered by aninterface 32, including a USB interface 32 (FIG. 1C, 1D) or a devicespecific power interface (132 in FIGS. 2A and 2B). An electronic device30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 may be coupled to a EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B,140A, 140B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C via cable(s)64, 164, 64A, 64B coupling the electronic device 30, 30A to 30D, 130,230 interface 32, 132, 32A, 32B to a EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B, 140A,140B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C interface 152A, 152B, 252A,252B, 352A, 540A, 540B, 552A, 552B. The EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B,140A, 140B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C may provide electricalenergy to one or more electrically powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A to30D via the interface 32, 132, 32A, 32B where the electrical energy mayDC electrical energy. It is noted that a one or more electricallypowered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A to 30D may provide power to an EDPDCapparatus 520A, 520B, 140A, 140B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C viathe interface 32, 132, 32A, 32B.

In an embodiment a powered device 30, 130, 230, 30A to 30D may include arechargeable electrical storage element 36. The EDPDC apparatus 520A,520B, 140A, 140B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C maycommunicate (provide or receive) electrical energy to one or moreelectrically powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D via theinterface 32, 132, 32A, 32B that is sufficient to a) power devices 30,130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, b) charge an electrical storage element 36of devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, and c) simultaneously powerdevices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and charge an electricalstorage element 36 of devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, andpower and/or charge an EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B, 140A, 140B, 340A,340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C or its electrical energystorage element 56A (receiving power from devices 30, 130, 230, 30A,30B, 30C, 30D). The electrical signal may have a DC or AC format in anembodiment.

The electrical storage element 36 may be a re-chargeable battery,capacitor, or other device capable of temporarily storing electricalenergy. The electronic devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D mayinclude an antenna 37 to wirelessly communicate signals with an EDPDCapparatus 520A, 520B, 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B,700, 800, 900A, 900B, 900C another electronic device 30, 130, 230, 30A,30B, 30C, 30D, or base station 920. In an embodiment electrical energymay be communicated between an EDPDC apparatus 520A and electronicdevice 30 via magnetic energy (no direct wiring) such as shown in FIG.3A.

In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 520A of FIG. 2A may include anexternal electrical power coupling 42A, transformer/inverter 44A, switchcontroller module 46A, charging module 48A, universal serial bus (USB)interface 540A, multiple position switch 54A, electrical storage element56A, second EDPDC apparatus interface 550, a data memory storageinterface module (DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68, a TMM67A, an antenna 67B, and one or more user detectable signal generationmodules 58A. The interface 540A may be any electronic interface that cancommunicate at least power including a USB interface 540A. The interface540A may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus520A and the electronic device 30 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66.The EDPDC apparatus 520A may be part of the architecture 500A and 500Bwhere the second EDPDC apparatus interface 550 may be optionallyexcluded in the architecture 500B. The external power source 20A maysupply AC or DC power.

In an embodiment, the external power source 20A may be an AC powersource. The external power source 20A may be part of an electricaldistribution network, independent electrical source, or localizedelectrical source including a battery 36, generator, or solar generationmodule. The AC coupling 42A may include multiple electrical contactsthat enable an EDPDC apparatus 520A to receive AC from an external powersource 20A. In an embodiment the external power source 20A may supply ACpower to the AC coupling 42A via a standard outlet where the AC couplingincludes two for a non-grounded application and three prongs for agrounded application.

The transformer/inverter 44A may receive external power and convert thereceived power to a power format/signal having a predetermined voltageand amperage as needed or required by one or more powered devices 30,130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D including a DC powered signal in anembodiment. The transformer/inverter 44A may also provide electricalenergy to a charging module 48A where the electrical energy may be thesame as the DC power provided to or to be provided to DC powered devices30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D or another electrical signalincluding an AC or DC signal having various waveforms. Thetransformer/inverter 44A may also provide electrical energy or anindication of energy generation to a switch controller module 46A wherethe electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to beprovided to a DC powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D oranother electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having variouswaveforms that provide an indication of whether sufficient energy isbeing provided by the transformer/inverter 44A to power the DC powereddevices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D.

It is noted in an embodiment the transformer/inverter may receiveelectrical energy from the power coupling and the USB interface 540A(from an electronic device (ED) 30). In such an embodiment an ED 30, 30Ato 30D, 130, 230, via a wired or wireless interface may provide power tothe electrical storage element 56A via the switch 54A,transformer/inverter 44A, and charging module 48A. As noted conversely,the electrical storage element 56A via the switch 54A or power source20A via power coupling 42A, transformer/inverter 44A and switch 54A mayprovide power to a device 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230. Accordingly powermay be communicated between the an EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B, 140A,140B, 240A, 240B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A, 900B, 900C andED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230.

In an embodiment the charging module 48A may receive electrical energyfrom the transformer/inverter 44A and charge one or more electricalstorage elements 56A. The charging module 48A may provide an electricalsignal to the one or more user detectable signal generation modules 58Ato inform a user when the electrical storage element 56A is beingcharged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DCpowered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are electricallycoupled to a EDPDC apparatus 540A, 140A, 240A, 340A, 640A. In anembodiment a charging module 48A, 48B may determine a storage element56A, 56B level and fast charge the storage element 56A, 56B when thedetermined level is below a first predetermined level, slow or tricklecharge the storage element 56A, 56B when the determined level is below asecond level and above the first level, the second level greater thanthe first level, and not charge the storage element 56A, 56B when thedetermined level is above a second level. In an embodiment the secondlevel may be about 95% of the maximum level and the second level may beabout 80% of the maximum level.

The electrical storage element 56A, 56B may include one or morebatteries, capacitors, or other electrical energy storage devicesincluding a lithium ion, NiCad, or other rechargeable medium basedelement. The switch controller module 46A may work in conjunction withthe multiple position switch 54A to direct one of energy from thetransformer/inverter 44A and the electrical storage element 56A to/fromthe USB interface 540A via the coupling 62A and the second EDPDCapparatus interface 550. The switch controller module 46A may controlthe switch 54A as a function of the signal received from or sent to thetransformer/inverter 44A via the switch control line 47A.

As noted, the EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B, 140A, 140B, 340A, 340B, 640A,640B may provide DC electrical energy to one or more DC powered devices30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D via the interface 32, 132, 32A, 32B. Inan embodiment the USB interface 540A may receive the electrical signal62A from the switch 54A and provide the electrical signal on theappropriate USB contacts of the USB interface to provide DC electricalpower via an electrical coupling 64 to the DC powered device 30 USBinterface 32. As noted the TMM 67A and the antenna 67B may enable theEDPDC apparatus 520A to communicate with an electronic device 30, 130,230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and base station 920 using a wired or wirelessprotocol.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an architecture 10B including a secondEDPDC apparatus 520B according to various embodiments. The architecture10B may include an external power source 20B, a second EDPDC apparatus520B, and a direct current (DC) powered electronic device 30. Theelectronic device 30 may communicate power via a USB interface 64 or adevice specific power interface (132 in FIGS. 2A and 2B). In anembodiment the EDPDC apparatus 520B of FIG. 1D may include an electricalpower coupling 530B, switch controller module 46B, charging module 48B,universal serial bus (USB) interface 540B, multiple position switch 54B,electrical storage element 56B, a data memory storage interface module(DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68, a TMM 67A, an antenna67B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules 58B. Theinterface 540B may be any electronic interface that can communicate atleast power including a USB interface 540B. The interface 540B may alsoenable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus 520B and theelectronic device 30 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. The externalpower source 20B may supply AC or DC power. In an embodiment, theexternal power source 20B may be a DC power source. In anotherembodiment the first EDPDC apparatus 520A via the electronic deviceinterface (MDI) 550 may provide electrical power (DC power in oneembodiment) to the second EDPDC apparatus 520B via the power coupling530B. The external power source 20B may be part of an electricaldistribution network, independent electrical source, or localizedelectrical source including a battery 36, generator, or solar generationmodule. The power coupling 530B may include multiple electrical contactsthat enable an EDPDC apparatus 520A to receive power from an externalpower source 20B including a MDI 550 of a EDPDC apparatus 520A.

In an embodiment the external power source 20B may supply DC power tothe power coupling 42B via a standard accessory or cigarette outletwhere the DC coupling 530B is shaped to interface with such a standardoutlet (see FIG. 11D, 932A). In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 520AMDI 550 may be configured as standard accessory or cigarette outlet toreceive the corresponding DC coupling 530B of an EDPDC apparatus 520B.The DC coupling 530B may communicate electrical energy with a chargingmodule 48B where electrical energy may be the same as the DC powercommunicated with DC powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, and 30B oranother electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having variouswaveforms. The power coupling 530B may also provide electrical energy oran indication of energy generation to a switch controller module 46Bwhere the electrical energy may be the same as the DC power communicatedwith a DC powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, and 30B or anotherelectrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveformsthat provide an indication of whether sufficient energy is beingprovided by the transformer/inverter 44A to power the DC powered devices30, 130, 230, 30A, and 30B. As above a DC powered device 30 may alsoprovide power to the EDPDC apparatus 520B and thus power may becommunicated between the ED 30 and EDPDC apparatus 520B.

The charging module 48B may receive electrical energy from the powercoupling 530B (or USB interface 540B where the ED 30 provides power) andcharge one or more electrical storage elements 56B. The charging module48B may provide an electrical signal to the one or more user detectablesignal generation modules 58B to inform a user when the electricalstorage element 56B is being charged, discharged, external power ispresent, and when one or more DC powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, and30B are electrically coupled to a EDPDC apparatus 540A, 140A, 240A,340A, 640, 700, 800, 900A to 900C. The electrical storage element 56Bmay include one or more batteries, capacitors, or other electricalenergy storage devices. The switch controller module 46B may work inconjunction with the multiple position switch 54B to direct one ofenergy from the power coupling 530B and the electrical storage element56B to the USB interface 540B via the coupling 62B. The switchcontroller module 46B may control the switch 54B as a function of thesignal received from the power coupling 530B (or USB interface 540B) viathe switch control line 47B.

As noted, an EDPDC apparatus 520A, 520B, 140A, 140B, 340A, 340B, 640A,640B, 700, 800, 900A to 900C may communicate DC electrical energy withone or more DC powered devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B via the interface32, 132, 32A, 32B. In an embodiment the USB interface 540B maycommunicate electrical signals 62B from the switch 54B and communicatethe electrical signal on the appropriate USB contacts of the USBinterface to communicate DC electrical power via an electrical coupling64 with the DC powered device 30 USB interface 32. As noted the TMM 67Aand the antenna 67B may enable the EDPDC apparatus 520B to communicatewith an electronic device 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and basestation 920 using a wired or wireless protocol

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 100A accordingto various embodiments. The DC powered device 130 in the architecture100A may have a device specific power or data communication interface132. The EDPDC apparatus 140A may include an Alternating Current (AC) orDC electrical power coupling 42A, transformer/inverter 44A, a switchcontroller module 46A, a charging module 48A, a device specificinterface 152A, a multiple position switch 54A, an electrical storageelement 56A, a EDPDC apparatus interface 550 (for 500A), a data memorystorage interface module (DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68,and one or more user detectable signal generation modules 58A. Theinterface 152A may be any electronic interface that can communicate atleast power including a USB interface 540A. The interface 152A may alsoenable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus 140A and theelectronic device 130 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. The EDPDCapparatus 140A is similar to EDPDC apparatus 520A other than the devicespecific interface 152. In an embodiment the device specific interface152A may receive an electrical signal 62A from the switch 54A andprovide the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the devicespecific interface 152A to communicate DC electrical power via anelectrical coupling 164 with the DC powered device 130 device specificinterface 132. As noted the TMM 67A and the antenna 67B may enable theEDPDC apparatus 140A to communicate with an electronic device 30, 130,230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and base station 920 using a wired or wirelessprotocol. The device specific interface 152A may receive electricalenergy from the ED 130 and provide electrical energy (power) to the ED130, accordingly communicate power with the ED 130.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of another EDPDC apparatus architecture 100Baccording to various embodiments. The DC powered device 130 in thearchitecture 100A may have a device specific power supply interface 132.The EDPDC apparatus 140B may include an electrical power coupling 42B, aswitch controller module 46B, a charging module 48B, a device specificinterface 152B, a multiple position switch 54B, an electrical storageelement 56B, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI) 66, aninternal memory module (IMM) 68, and one or more user detectable signalgeneration modules 58B. The interface 152B may be any electronicinterface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface540A. The interface 152B may also enable communication of data and powerbetween the EDPDC apparatus 520A and the electronic device 130 includingwith the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. The EDPDC apparatus 140B is similar toEDPDC apparatus 520B other than the device specific interface 152. In anembodiment the device specific interface 152B may receive an electricalsignal 62B from the switch 54B and communicate the electrical signal onthe appropriate contacts of the device specific interface 152B withprovide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling 164 to the DCpowered device 130 device specific interface 132. As noted the TMM 67Aand the antenna 67B may enable the EDPDC apparatus 140B to communicatewith an electronic device 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and basestation 920 using a wired or wireless protocol

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 200A accordingto various embodiments. The DC powered device 230 in the architecture200A may have a device specific power supply interface 232. The EDPDCapparatus 240A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electricalpower coupling 42A, transformer/inverter 44A, a switch controller module46A, a charging module 48A, a device specific interface 252A, a multipleposition switch 54A, an electrical storage element 56A, a EDPDCapparatus interface 550 (for 500A) a data memory storage interfacemodule (DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68, a TMM 67A, anantenna 67B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules58A. The interface 252A may be any electronic interface that cancommunicate at least power including a USB interface 540A. The interface252A may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus240A and the electronic device 230 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI66. The EDPDC apparatus 240 is similar to EDPDC apparatus 40, 140 otherthan the device specific interface 252A. In an embodiment the devicespecific interface 252 may communicate an electrical signal 62 from theswitch 54 via the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface252 directly with the device specific interface 232 of the DC powereddevice 230. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 240A device specificinterface 252A may be one of a male or female based electrical contactinterface and the DC powered device 230 device specific interface 232may be one of a female or male based electrical contact interface,respectively. As noted the TMM 67A and the antenna 67B may enable theEDPDC apparatus 240A to communicate with an electronic device 30, 130,230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and base station 920 using a wired or wirelessprotocol.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 200B accordingto various embodiments. The DC powered device 230 in the architecture200B may have a device specific power supply interface 232. The EDPDCapparatus 240B may include an electrical power coupling 42B, a switchcontroller module 46B, a charging module 48B, a device specificinterface 252B, a multiple position switch 54B, an electrical storageelement 56B, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI) 66, aninternal memory module (IMM) 68, a TMM 67A, an antenna 67B, and one ormore user detectable signal generation modules 58A. The interface 252Bmay be any electronic interface that can communicate at least powerincluding a USB interface 540A. The interface 252B may also enablecommunication of data between the EDPDC apparatus 240B and theelectronic device 230 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. The EDPDCapparatus 240 is similar to EDPDC apparatus 40, 140 other than thedevice specific interface 252. In an embodiment, the device specificinterface 252 may communicate an electrical signal 62B from the switch54B via the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface 252Bdirectly with the device specific interface 232 of the DC powered device230. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 240B device specific interface252A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interfaceand the DC powered device 230 device specific interface 232 may be oneof a female or male based electrical contact interface, respectively. Asnoted the TMM 67A and the antenna 67B may enable the EDPDC apparatus240B to communicate with an electronic device 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B,30C, 30D and base station 920 using a wired or wireless protocol

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 300A accordingto various embodiments. The DC powered device 30 in the architecture300A may have a USB interface 32 or device specific interface 232, 132.The EDPDC apparatus 340A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DCelectrical power coupling 42A, an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC) 350A, an antenna 67B, and an electrical storage element56A. The ASIC 350A may include a data memory storage interface module(DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68, the TMM 67A and one ormore user detectable signal generation modules 358A as part of orcoupled to the ASIC 350A. The interface 352A may be any electronicinterface that can communicate at least power. The interface 352A mayalso enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus 340A andthe electronic device 30 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. The ASIC350A may perform the functions of the transformer/inverter 44A, switchcontroller module 46A, charging module 48A, a USB interface 52A, the TMM67A, and a multiple position switch 54A. In an embodiment the EDPDCapparatus USB interface 352A may be one of a male or female basedelectrical contact interface and the DC powered device 30 USB interface32 may be one of a female or male USB interface, respectively.

In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 340A ASIC 350A may receive anelectrical signals from the AC/DC power coupling 42A, ED 30, and theelectrical storage element 56A. The ASIC 350A may determine whether theelectrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling 42A is sufficientto provide power one or more DC powered device(s) 30 and may directenergy from the electrical storage element 56A alone in combination withthe AC/DC coupling electrical signal (if present and insufficient) toprovide an electrical signal on an USB interface 352A built into theASIC 350A. An electrical cable 64 may couple the ASIC 350A USB interface352A to the DC powered device 30 USB interface 32. The ASIC 350A mayalso control the charging of the electrical storage element 56A whensufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC coupling 42A (orby the ED 30 in an embodiment). The ASIC 350A may include an EDPDCapparatus interface 550 (in 500A) where the second EDPDC apparatus 550power coupling 42B may be coupled to the EDPDC apparatus interface 550.

The ASIC 350A may further transform or invert the electrical energyprovided by the AC/DC coupling 42A to the DC voltage/amperage ratingneeded to charge the electrical storage element 56A and provide power tothe DC powered device 30. The ASIC 350A via one or more user detectablesignal generation modules 358A may inform a user when the electricalstorage element 56A is being charged, discharged, external power ispresent, and when one or more DC powered devices 30 are electricallycoupled to the EDPDC apparatus 340A. In an embodiment a user detectablesignal generation module 58, 358, 558 may include one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDs), other light generation devices, vibrationmodules, or audible generation devices (speakers). As noted the TMM 67Aand the antenna 67B may enable the EDPDC apparatus 340A to communicatewith an electronic device 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and basestation 920 using a wired or wireless protocol. In an embodiment theASIC 350A may enable the electrical storage element 56A to be chargedfrom energy received from the ED 30 and provide electrical energy fromthe element 56A to the ED 30 and thus enable communication of energybetween the ED 30 and EDPDC 340A.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 340B accordingto various embodiments. The DC powered device 30 in the architecture340B may have a USB interface 32 or device specific interface 232, 132.The EDPDC apparatus 340B may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DCelectrical power coupling 42B, an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC) 350B, an antenna 67B, and an electrical storage element56B. The ASIC 350A may include a data memory storage interface module(DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68, an TMM 67A, and one ormore user detectable signal generation modules 358A as part of orcoupled to the ASIC 350B. The interface 352B may be any electronicinterface that can communicate at least power. The interface 352B mayalso enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus 340B andthe electronic device 30 including with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. The ASIC350B may perform the functions of the switch controller module 46B,charging module 48B, a USB interface 52B, and a multiple position switch54B. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus USB interface 352B may be oneof a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DCpowered device 30 USB interface 32 may be one of a female or male USBinterface, respectively.

In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 340B ASIC 350B may receive anelectrical signal from the AC/DC power coupling 42B and the electricalstorage element 56B. The ASIC 350B may determine whether the electricalsignal provided by the AC/DC power coupling 42B is sufficient to providepower one or more DC powered device(s) 30 and may direct energy from theelectrical storage element 56B alone in combination with the AC/DCcoupling electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide anelectrical signal on an USB interface 352B built into the ASIC 350B. Anelectrical cable 64 may couple the ASIC 350B USB interface 352B to theDC powered device 30 USB interface 32. The ASIC 350B may also controlthe charging of the electrical storage element 56B when sufficientelectrical energy is provided by the AC/DC coupling 42B.

The ASIC 350B may further transform or invert the electrical energyprovided by the AC/DC coupling 42B to the DC voltage/amperage ratingneeded to charge the electrical storage element 56B and provide power tothe DC powered device 30. The ASIC 350B via one or more user detectablesignal generation modules 358B may inform a user when the electricalstorage element 56B is being charged, discharged, external power ispresent, and when one or more DC powered devices 30 are electricallycoupled to the EDPDC apparatus 340B. As noted the TMM 67A and theantenna 67B may enable the EDPDC apparatus 340B to communicate with anelectronic device 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and base station 920using a wired or wireless protocol. The ASIC 350B may also receive powerfrom an ED 30 where power may be sufficient to charge the electricalstorage element 56B. Accordingly the EDPDC 340B may communicate powerbetween the ED 30 and electrical storage element 56B.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 600A accordingto various embodiments. Multiple electrically powered devices 30A, 30Bin the architecture 600A may have a USB interface 32A, 32B or devicespecific interface 232, 132. The EDPDC apparatus 640A may include anAlternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling 42A, anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 650A, an antenna 67B, andan electrical storage element 56A. The ASIC 650A may include a datamemory storage interface module (DMSI) 66, an internal memory module(IMM) 68, a TMM 67A, and one or more user detectable signal generationmodules 358A as part of or coupled to the ASIC 650A. The interfaces552A, B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at leastpower. The interfaces 552A, B may also enable communication of databetween the EDPDC apparatus 640A and the electronic devices 30A, Bincluding with the IMM 68 and DMSI 66. In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus640A ASIC 650A may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC powercoupling 42A and the electrical storage element 56A.

The ASIC 650A may determine whether the electrical signal provided bythe AC/DC power coupling 42A is sufficient to provide power to the twoor more DC powered device(s) 30A, 30B and may direct energy from theelectrical storage element 56A alone in combination with the AC/DC powercoupling 42A electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to providean electrical signal on multiple USB interfaces 552A, 552B built intothe ASIC 650A. Electrical cables 64A, 64B may couple the ASIC 650A USBinterfaces 552A, 552B to the DC powered device 30A, 30B USB interfaces32A, 32B. The ASIC 650A may also control the charging of the electricalstorage element 56A when sufficient electrical energy is provided by theAC/DC power coupling 42A. As noted the TMM 67A and the antenna 67B mayenable the EDPDC apparatus 640A to communicate with an electronic device30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and base station 920 using a wired orwireless protocol. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 640A may alsoreceive power from the ED 30A, 30B where the power may be sufficient tooperate the EDPDC apparatus 640A or charge the electrical storageelement 56A. The EDPDC apparatus 640A may also enable the passage ofpower from one ED 30A to another ED 30B. Accordingly in an embodiment,the EDPDC apparatus 640A may enable communication of power of betweenthe ED 30A, ED 30B, and itself.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture 600B accordingto various embodiments. Multiple DC powered devices 30A, 30B in thearchitecture 600B may have a USB interface 32A, 32B or device specificinterface 232, 132. The EDPDC apparatus 640B may include an AlternatingCurrent (AC) or DC electrical power coupling 42B, an ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 650B, an antenna 67B, and anelectrical storage element 56B. The ASIC 650B may include a data memorystorage interface module (DMSI) 66, an internal memory module (IMM) 68,a TMM 67A, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules358B as part of or coupled to the ASIC 650B. The interfaces 552A, B maybe any electronic interface that can communicate at least power. Theinterfaces 552A, B may also enable communication of data between theEDPDC apparatus 640A and the electronic devices 30A, B including withthe IMM 68 and DMSI 66 In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 640B ASIC 650Bmay receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC electric power coupling42B and the electrical storage element 56B.

The ASIC 650B may determine whether the electrical signal provided bythe AC/DC power coupling 42B is sufficient to provide power to the twoor more DC powered device(s) 30A, 30B and may direct energy from theelectrical storage element 56B alone in combination with the AC/DC powercoupling 42B electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to providean electrical signal on multiple USB interfaces 552A, 552B built intothe ASIC 650B. Electrical cables 64A, 64B may couple the ASIC 650B USBinterfaces 552A, 552B to the DC powered device 30A, 30B USB interfaces32A, 32B. The ASIC 650B may also control the charging of the electricalstorage element 56B when sufficient electrical energy is provided by theAC/DC power coupling 42B. As noted the TMM 67A and the antenna 67B mayenable the EDPDC apparatus 640B to communicate with an electronic device30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and base station 920 using a wired orwireless protocol. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus 640B may alsoreceive power from the ED 30A, 30B where the power may be sufficient tooperate the EDPDC apparatus 640B or charge the electrical storageelement 56B. The EDPDC apparatus 640A may also enable the passage ofpower from one ED 30A to another ED 30B. Accordingly in an embodiment,the EDPDC apparatus 640B may enable communication of power of betweenthe ED 30A, ED 30B, and itself.

FIG. 6A is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 400A according tovarious embodiments. An ASIC 350A, 650A may employ the method 400Aillustrated by the FIG. 6A flow diagram. The method 400A may determinewhether sufficient power is being provided by an external power source20A to power one or more devices 30, 130, 230, 30A, 30B (activity 402A).When the power is insufficient and at least one device is coupled to aEDPDC apparatus 340A, 640A, 700, 800, 900A to 900C (activity 404A), themethod 400A may communicate energy between the one or more devices 30,30A, 30B and an electrical storage element 56A (activity 406A) andprovide an indication of the electrical storage element 56A discharge orcharge status via the user detectable signal generation device 358A(activity 406A, 408A). As noted, an EDPDC apparatus 500A, 500B, 520A,520B, 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B, 700, 800, 900A to900C may provide power to a coupled ED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 from aninternal electrical storage element 56A, 56B and receive power from anED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 to charge an internal electrical storageelement 56A, 56B.

When sufficient power is provided by the external power source 20A andthe electrical storage device 56A is not fully charged (activity 412A)the method 400A may charge the electrical storage element 56A (activity414A) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element 56Acharge level via the user detectable signal generation device 358A(activity 416A). Further when sufficient power is provided by theexternal power source 20A (activity 402A) and at least one device 30,30A, 30B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus 340, 540 (activity 422A) themethod 400A may provide energy to the one or more devices 30, 30A, 30Bfrom the external power source 20A (activity 424A) and provide anindication of the existence of power from the external power source 20Avia the user detectable signal generation device 358A (activity 426A).

Further when sufficient power is provided by the external power source20A (activity 402A) and a second EDPDC apparatus 140B, 240B, 640B iscoupled to the EDPDC apparatus 500A, 520A, 140A, 240A, 340A, 640A, 700,800, 900A to 900C (activity 428) the method 400A may provide energy tothe 2nd EDPDC apparatus 500B, 520B, 140B, 240B, 640B from the externalpower source 20A (activity 432) and provide an indication of theexistence of power from the external power source 20A via the userdetectable signal generation device 358A, 58A (activity 434).

FIG. 6B is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 400B according tovarious embodiments. An ASIC 350B, 650B may employ the method 400Billustrated by the FIG. 6B flow diagram. The method 400B may determinewhether sufficient power is being provided by an external power source20B to power one or more devices 30, 130, 230, 30A to 30D (activity402B). When the power is insufficient and at least one device is coupledto a EDPDC apparatus 340B, 640B (activity 404B), the method 400B maycommunicate energy between one or more devices 30, 130, 230, 30A to 30Dand an electrical storage element 56B (activity 406B) and provide anindication of the electrical storage element 56B status via the userdetectable signal generation device 358B (activity 406B, 408B). Asnoted, an EDPDC apparatus 500B, 520B, 140B, 240B, 340B, 640B, 700, 800,900A to 900C may provide power to a coupled ED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230from an internal electrical storage element 56B and receive power froman ED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 to charge an internal electrical storageelement 56B.

When sufficient power is provided by the external power source 20B andthe electrical storage device 56B is not fully charged (activity 412B)the method 400B may charge the electrical storage element 56B (activity414B) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element 56Bcharge level via the user detectable signal generation device 358B(activity 416B). Further when sufficient power is provided by the powersource 2B0 (activity 402B) and at least one device 30, 30A, 30B iscoupled to the EDPDC apparatus 340B, 640B (activity 422B) the method400B may provide energy to the one or more devices 30, 30A, 30B from theexternal power source 20B (activity 424B) and provide an indication ofthe existence of power from the external power source 20B via the userdetectable signal generation device 358B (activity 426B).

FIG. 6C is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 402A according tovarious embodiments. An ASIC 350A, 650A may employ the method 402Aillustrated by the FIG. 6C flow diagram. The method 402A shown in FIG.6C may be employed by the ASIC 350A, 650A in an embodiment to reduceenergy consumption when a device 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 is notconnected. The method 402A may set a sleep timer to a predeterminedlevel (or time) (activity 440A). The method 402A may determine whetheradequate external power is provided to the ASIC 350A, 650A (activity442A) and may transfer control to section A of FIG. 6A when inadequatepower is available. When adequate external power is detected, the methodmay determine whether a device 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 is coupled tothe ASIC 350A, 650A or second EDPDC apparatus 520B, 140B, 240B, 340B, or640B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus 340A, 640A including the ASIC350A, 650A (activities 444A and 446A).

When a device 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 is coupled to the ASIC 350A, 650Aor second EDPDC apparatus 520B, 140B, 240B, 340B, or 640B is coupled tothe EDPDC apparatus 340A, 640A including the ASIC 350A, 650A, controlmay be transferred to section B of FIG. 6A. Otherwise the method 402Amay determine whether a predetermined time interval has passed (sleeptimer equal to zero) activity 448A. When the time interval has notpassed then an external power source may be decoupled (activity 454A) toreduce un-necessary power consumption. When the predetermined timeinterval has passed (sleep timer zero), the method 402A may determinewhether the storage element 56A, 56B needs charging by comparing itsstorage level to a predetermined level or percentage of total capacity(activity 452A). When the internal level is less than the predeterminedlevel or percentage, the method 402A may charge the storage element(activity 414C). The method 402A may then decouple the external powersource (activity 454A) to save un-necessary power consumption and resetthe sleep timer to the predetermined level or time (activity 440A).

FIG. 6D is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 402B according tovarious embodiments. An ASIC 350B, 650B may employ the method 402Billustrated by the FIG. 6D flow diagram. The method 402B shown in FIG.6D may be employed by the ASIC 350B, 650B in an embodiment to reduceenergy consumption when a device is not connected. The method 402B mayset a sleep timer to a predetermined level or time (activity 440B). Themethod 402B determine whether adequate external power is provided to theEDPDC apparatus 340B, 640B (activity 442B) and may transfer control tosection C of FIG. 6B when inadequate power is available or detected.When adequate external power is detected, the method may determinewhether a device 30, 130, 230, 30A to 30D is coupled to the EDPDCapparatus 340B, 640B (activity 444B).

When a device 30, 130, 230, 30A to 30D is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus340B, 640B, control may be transferred to section D of FIG. 6B.Otherwise the method 402B may determine whether a predetermined timeinterval has passed (sleep timer zero) activity 448B. When the timeinterval has not passed then the external power source may be decoupled(activity 454B) to reduce un-necessary power consumption. When thepredetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero), the method402B may determine whether the storage element 56A, 56B needs chargingby comparing its storage level to a predetermined level or percentage oftotal capacity (activity 452B). When the storage element 56A, 56Binternal level is less than the predetermined level or percentage, themethod 402B may charge the storage element (activity 414C). The method402B may then decouple the external power source (activity 454B) toreduce un-necessary power consumption and reset the sleep timer to thepredetermined level or time (activity 440B).

In method 402A and 402B the internal power element 56A, 56B may provideenergy to the EDPDC apparatus 340A, 340B, 640A, 640B when the externalpower is optionally decoupled. In an embodiment when the storage element56A, 56B is depleted to a predetermined percentage X (activity 452A,452B) the external power may be engaged to charge the storage element56A, 56B (activity 414C). In an embodiment the predetermined percentageX may range from about 95% to 80%.

FIG. 6E is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 414 according tovarious embodiments. An ASIC 350A, 650A or system 500A, 10A, 10B, 140A,140B, 300A, 300B may employ the method 414 illustrated by the FIG. 6Eflow diagram. The method 414 shown in FIG. 6E may be employed by themethods 400A, 400B in an embodiment to optimize storage element 56A, 56Bcharging. In the method 414 a storage element 56A, 56B may not becharged when the determined energy level is greater than X percentage(activity 460). The method 414 may fast charge the storage element 56A,56B when the determined level is less than Y % (activity 462, 464). Themethod 414 may slow or trickle charge the storage element 56A, 56B whenstorage level is greater than Y % and less than X % (activity 462, 466).In an embodiment X may be about 95% of maximum storage capacity and Ymay be about 80% of maximum storage capacity.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of EDPDC architecture 700 including a firstand a second EDPDC apparatus according to various embodiments. The EDPDCarchitecture 700 may include a first EDPDC apparatus 710 and a secondEDPDC apparatus 750. The first EDPDC apparatus 710 may have a housing720C including a right 720A and a left 720B side cap and a recess 714.The first EDPDC apparatus 710 may include a circuit board 730 thatfunctions as an ASIC 650A, 350A. The second MDPP 750 may also include acircuit board 770, user detectable devices 756, upper housing 754A,lower housing 754B, power interface 752, battery 772, right 760A andleft 760B side cap. The circuit board 770 may function as an ASIC 650B,350B. The power interface 752 may function as a power coupling 20B. Theuser detectable devices 756 may function as a user detectable device358B, 58B. The second EDPDC apparatus 750 power interface 752 may fit inthe first EDPDC apparatus 710 recess 714. A wire 780 may be coupled tothe EDPDC apparatus 710, 750 to provide power or couple an EDPDCapparatus 710, 750 to an electronic device 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230.

FIG. 8 is an exploded diagram of an EDPDC apparatus 800 according tovarious embodiments. The EDPDC apparatus 800 may be employed in variousembodiments including EDPDC apparatus 500A, 520A, 140A, 240A, 340A,640A. In an embodiment EDPDC apparatus 800 may include a back body 802,a front body 804, a battery cover 806, electrical power source contacts812, spring prongs 814, a contact plate 808, a circuit board 816, auniversal serial bus (USB) module 822, an antenna 807, and a batterypack 824. The circuit board 816 may include one or more LEDs 818 and aprocessor 817. The processor 817 may function as ASIC 650A, 350A. Theback cover 802 may include an electrical prong module holder 803. Theelectrical contacts 812, spring prongs 814, and contact plate 808 mayform a prong module and the prong module may be coupled to the prongmodule holder 803. The USB module 822 may be coupled to the circuitboard 816. The front cover 804 may have one or more openings 805 for theLEDs 818. The battery 824 may be coupled to the circuit board 816 andmay be located under the battery cover 806. In an embodiment the batterycover 806 may be removable so the battery 824 may be replaced.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a simplified diagram of an EDPDC apparatus900A according to various embodiments. The EDPDC apparatus 900A mayinclude EDPDC apparatus 500A, 520A, 140A, 240A, 340A, 640A and a solarpanel 910A. The solar panel 910A may be coupled to an EDPDC apparatus500A, 520A, 140A, 240A, 340A, 640A and provide another energy or powersource.

FIG. 9B is a front view of a simplified diagram of an EDPDC apparatus900B according to various embodiments. The EDPDC apparatus 900B mayinclude EDPDC apparatus 500A, 520A, 140A, 240A, 340A, 640A and a handcrank electrical generator 910B. The hand crank electrical generator910B may include a crank 912 and electrical generator 914 coupled to thecrank 912. The electrical generator 914 may be coupled to EDPDCapparatus 500A, 520A, 140A, 240A, 340A, 640A and provide another energysource. The electrical generator 914 may be a magnetic inductioncharging generator 914 in an embodiment.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are isometric diagrams of an EDPDC apparatus900C according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and11C, architecture 900C may include a first electrical power sourceconnector 930A, a second electrical power source connector 932A, a firstdata and power electrical connector 940A (FIG. 11C), a second data andpower electrical connector 942A, a data device connector 944A, a userdetectable module 958A, and a user input module 958B. In an embodimentthe first electrical power connector 930A may include one or more prongsor male connectors 930C and a tab 930B for exposing the prongs atvarious angles relative to its seated/stored position (as shown in FIG.11B) to about 180 degrees (in an embodiment). The first electrical powerconnector 930A may be coupled to an external power supply including anon-grid AC power source.

In an embodiment the second electrical power connector 932A may includea single prong with electric contacts 932C, 932D (FIG. 11D) and a tab932B for exposing or rotating the prong at various angles relative toits seated/stored position (as shown in FIG. 11B) to about 180 degrees(in an embodiment). The second electrical power connector 932A may becoupled to an external power supply including a DC power source (such asa car lighter accessory). The electric contacts 932C, 932D may becoupled to positive and negative contacts of an external DC powersource.

The first data and power electrical connector 940A may be a USB typeconnector or other data/power connector 940A configured to be coupled toa male data/power connector (in an embodiment). The second data andpower electrical connector 942A may be a mini or micro USB typeconnector or other data/power connector 942A configured to be coupled toa female data connector (in an embodiment). In an embodiment, theelectrical data/power connector 940A may include a slot 944A configuredto receive a data module including a memory module. The memory modulemay be a SDHC module as described above. The slots 944A may alsofunction as the alignment tab common in a USB female connector.

The slot 944A may include one or more electrical contacts that may matewith corresponding electrical contacts of a memory module upon insertioninto the slot 944A. The user detectable module 958A may be a light basedmodule (ring) in an embodiment. The light frequency (color) may vary asa function or the operation or state of architecture 900C. The userinput module 958B may be a multi-function button in an embodiment. Themodule 958B may be able to control various functions of the architecture900C as described above with reference to EDPDC apparatus 500A, 500B,520A, 520B, 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 340A, 340B, 640A, and 604B. As shownin FIGS. 11A to 11C the casing 910B may include curved surfaces 910C,910A, 910F. The casing 910B may also include recesses 910D, 910E to holdthe second and first electrical power source connectors in a recessedand exposed positions, respectively. The casing 910B may also enable thesecond data connector 942B to be recessed in the case when not in useand flexibly and restorably extend from the case when in use. Inparticular the connector 942B male electrical connector 942C may bestored within the casing 910B.

FIG. 11D is an exposed diagram of an EDPDC apparatus with the case 910Bremoved according to various embodiments. FIG. 11D shows the spacedrelationship of the first and second electrical power source connectors930A, 932A, the first and second data/power connectors 942A, 940A, amain control module 950A, and the user detectable module 958A and theuser input module 958B. In an embodiment the main control and electricalenergy storage module 950A may include the elements of the modules 520A,520B, 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A, 350B, 650A, and 650B. The module950A may include a DMSI 66 that enables communication with a memorymodule inserted in the slot 944A.

FIG. 11E is a partial diagram of a data/power electrical connector 942Aof an EDPDC apparatus 900C according to various embodiments. Thedata/power electrical connector 942A includes a deployment tab 942B anda male connector 942C with a flexible cable 942D. The connector 942Aflexible cable 942D may enable the connector to be restorably removedand inserted into the apparatus 900C body 910B. In an embodiment theconnector 942A may a mini or micro USB connector. In an embodiment thedata/power connectors 940A and 942C may be used to communicate data andpower with the main control and electrical energy storage module 950A.The connectors 940A and 942C may be receive power from an ED 30, 30A to30D, 130, 230 where the power is used to charge the main control andelectrical energy storage module 950A. The connectors 940A and 942C maybe also provide power to an ED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230 where the poweris used to charge or power the ED 30, 30A to 30D, 130, 230.

FIGS. 12A-12C are diagrams of an electrical power connector assembly930A and components of the assembly 930A according to variousembodiments. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, the electric power connectorassembly 930A may include an outer, rotatable base 930D, an innerrotatable section 930E, and prongs 930C. The base 930D and section 930Emay include one or more cams 930G. The inner rotatable section 930E maybe nested in a recess 930F of the outer, rotatable base 930D. The recess930F may include recesses for the inner rotatable section 930E cams 930Gand slots for the prongs 930C.

In an embodiment the inner, rotatable section 930E may rotate about 90degrees within the outer, rotatable base 930D recess 930F. EDPDCapparatus 900C casing 910B may include recesses for the outer, rotatablebase 930D, its corresponding cam(s) 930G and the prongs 930C. The outer,rotatable base 930A may be rotated about 90 degrees within the casing910B. Accordingly the prongs 930C may be rotated up to 180 degrees duethe rotation capability of the inner, rotatable section 930E and theouter, rotatable base 930D. Such a configuration may enable coupling ofthe EDPDC apparatus 900C prongs 930C in limited space environmentsincluding a power strip via the deployment tab 930B.

FIGS. 13A-13B are diagrams of the electrical power connector assembly932A according to various embodiments. The connector assembly 932A mayinclude electrical contacts 932D (on the side) and a contact 932C on thetip, deployment tab 932B, and cams 932E. The electrical contact 932C maybe configured to be coupled to positive polarity and the contacts 932Dmay be coupled to a negative polarity of a DC electrical signal of a DCsignal female accessory in an embodiment. EDPDC apparatus 900C casing910B may include recesses for the connector 932A, its correspondingcam(s) 932E and contacts 932D, 932C. The connector 932C may be rotatedup to 180 degrees due to its shape and casing 910B in an embodiment.Such a configuration may enable coupling of the EDPDC apparatus 900Cconnector 932A in limited space environments via the deployment tab932B.

FIG. 14 is a partial diagram of an electrical connector assembly 940A ofan EDPDC apparatus 900C according to various embodiments. As noted theconnector 940A may be a female USB connector. In place of theregistration tab, the connector 940A may include a slotted tab 944A. Theslotted tab 944A may be configured to enable a memory module or othersized electrical module to be inserted therein. The slot 944A mayinclude one or more electrical contacts that communicate electricalsignals between an inserted module and the controller module 950A.

FIG. 15A is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 260 according tovarious embodiments. An EDPDC apparatus 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A,350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 650A, 650B, 700, 800, 900A-900C may employthe method 260 illustrated by the FIG. 15A flow diagram to backup dataor selectively backup data or data types stored on a device 130, 30,230, 30A to 30D (such in the device 130, 30, 230, 30A to 30D memory 39).In the backup method 260, when passive backup is active (configured by auser to be active (activity 262)), the method 260 may first determinethe type of backup to be performed, incremental or full (activity 264).A user may elect to backup all data for selected data types (full) oronly the data for selected data types that has changed since the lastbackup (incremental backup). When the selected data types such asoperating system data, multimedia data (including music, video, andpictures), and business or personal data (such as contracts, calendars,word, spreadsheet, and presentation files) includes changed data andincremental is selected, the method 260 may update backup data with thenew or changed data (activity 264, 266, 268).

The backup data may be stored locally on an EDPDC apparatus 140A, 140B,240A, 240B, 350A, 350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 650A, 650B, 700, 800,900A-900C or on a networked device where the data is communicated from adevice 130, 30, 230, 30A to 30D to the networked device via a EDPDCapparatus 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A, 350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B,650A, 650B, 700, 800, 900A-900C modem/transceiver 67A. Similarly when afull backup has been configured, the data represented the selected datatypes may be backed up locally on an EDPDC apparatus 140A, 140B, 240A,240B, 350A, 350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 650A, 650B, 700, 800,900A-900C or on a networked device where the data is communicated from adevice 130, 30, 230, 30A to 30D to the networked device via an EDPDCapparatus 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A, 350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B,650A, 650B, 700, 800, 900A-900C modem 67A (activity 272, 274).

FIG. 15B is a flow diagram illustrating several methods 280 according tovarious embodiments. An EDPDC apparatus 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A,350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 650A, 650B, 700, 800, 900A-900C may employthe method 280 illustrated by the FIG. 15B flow diagram to enable a userto configure the backup options for data stored on a device 130, 30,230, 30A to 30D (such in the device 130, 30, 230, 30A to 30D memory 39)or restore data previously backed up to a device. The method 280 mayenable a user to configure one or more backup options for an EDPDCapparatus 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A, 350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B,650A, 650B, 700, 800, 900A-900C (activity 282, 284). As noted a user mayconfigure various data backup options or to restore data from one ormore backups (activity 288).

A user may select the data type(s) to be backed up and the backup mode(full, incremental) (activity 284, 286). A user may also designatemultiple backup destinations including networked (via the modem 67A)locations or local on an EDPDC apparatus 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B, 350A,350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 650A, 650B, 700, 800, 900A-900C (activity284). The method 280 may also enable a user to select the device 30,130, 230, 30A to 30D data types to be protected or backed up where thedata types may include operating system data, multimedia data (includingmusic, video, and pictures), and business or personal data (such ascontracts, calendars, word, spreadsheet, and presentation files)(activity 286).

The method 280 may also enable a user to restore data (or selected data)from one or more backups to a device 130, 30, 230, 30A to 30D or othercomputer device (activity 292). The method 280 may enable data fromseveral locations including local (on an EDPDC apparatus 140A, 140B,240A, 240B, 350A, 350B, 500A, 500B, 520A, 520B, 650A, 650B, 700, 800,900A-900C) or networked to be used to restore data on a device 130, 30,230, 30A to 30D, other coupled device, or to a networked device(activity 292).

Any of the components previously described can be implemented in anumber of ways, including embodiments in software. Any of the componentspreviously described can be implemented in a number of ways, includingembodiments in software. Thus, the AC/DC coupling 42A, 42B,transformer/inverter 44A, switch controller module 46A, 46B, chargingmodule 48A, 48B, USB interface 52A, 352A, 552A, 52B, 352B, 552B devicespecific interface 152A, 152B, device specific interface 252A, 252B,ASIC 350A, 350B, 650A, 650B may all be characterized as “modules”herein.

The modules may include hardware circuitry, single or multi-processorcircuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects,firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of thearchitecture 10 and as appropriate for particular implementations ofvarious embodiments. The apparatus and systems of various embodimentsmay be useful in applications other than a sales architectureconfiguration. They are not intended to serve as a complete descriptionof all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that mightmake use of the structures described herein.

Applications that may include the novel apparatus and systems of variousembodiments include electronic circuitry used in high-speed computers,communication and signal processing circuitry, modems, single ormulti-processor modules, single or multiple embedded processors, dataswitches, and application-specific modules, including multilayer,multi-chip modules. Such apparatus and systems may further be includedas sub-components within a variety of electronic systems, such astelevisions, cellular telephones, personal computers (e.g., laptopcomputers, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablet computers,etc.), workstations, radios, video players, audio players (e.g., mp3players), vehicles, medical devices (e.g., heart monitor, blood pressuremonitor, etc.) and others. Some embodiments may include a number ofmethods.

It may be possible to execute the activities described herein in anorder other than the order described. Various activities described withrespect to the methods identified herein can be executed in repetitive,serial, or parallel fashion. A software program may be launched from acomputer-readable medium in a computer-based system to execute functionsdefined in the software program. Various programming languages may beemployed to create software programs designed to implement and performthe methods disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in anobject-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Javaor C++. Alternatively, the programs may be structured in aprocedure-orientated format using a procedural language, such asassembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number ofmechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as applicationprogram interfaces or inter-process communication techniques, includingremote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are notlimited to any particular programming language or environment.

The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way ofillustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may beutilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments isdefined only by the appended claims, along with the full range ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any single invention or inventive concept, if more thanone is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achievethe same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description,various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less thanall features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A power supply apparatus, including: a housing; anexternal power source coupling module, the external power sourcecoupling module including at least two electrically conductivemechanical elements and configured to have a first position where the atleast two electrically conductive mechanical elements extend from thehousing and a second position where the at least two electricallyconductive mechanical elements retract toward the housing; an internalelectrical storage module within the housing, the internal electricalstorage module including a storage element storing and dischargingelectrical energy; a charging module operatively coupled to the internalelectrical storage module and operatively coupled to the external powersource coupling module, the charging module charging the storage elementwhen the at least two electrically conductive mechanical elements are inthe first position; a direct current interface module; a switchingmodule operatively coupled to electrical storage module, operativelycoupled to the direct current interface module, and operatively coupledto the external power source coupling module, the switching moduleproviding energy from the internal electrical storage module to thedirect current interface module as a function of the energy providedfrom the external power source coupling module; and a transformermodule, the transformer module operatively coupled to the external powersource coupling module and the switching module, the transformer moduletransforming alternating current to direct current.
 22. The power supplyapparatus of claim 21, further including a user perceptible signalgeneration module, the signal generation module providing an indicationof the energy level of the internal electrical storage module.
 23. Thepower supply apparatus of claim 21, the switching module providingenergy from the internal electrical storage module to the direct currentinterface module when the energy provided from the external power sourcecoupling module is below a predetermined threshold.
 24. The power supplyapparatus of claim 21, wherein the direct current interface moduleincludes a universal serial bus interface.
 25. The power supplyapparatus of claim 24, wherein the internal electrical storage modulestorage element includes a battery.
 26. The power supply apparatus ofclaim 22, wherein the user perceptible signal generation module includesa light emitting diode.
 27. The power supply apparatus of claim 21,wherein the direct current interface module includes a universal serialbus port.
 28. The power supply apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least aportion of the external power source coupling module is configured torotate from the first position to the second position.
 29. A powersupply apparatus, including: a housing; an external power sourcecoupling module, the external power source coupling module including atleast two electrically conductive mechanical elements; an internalelectrical storage module, the internal electrical storage moduleincluding a storage element storing and discharging electrical energy; afirst integrated circuit module, the first integrated circuit moduleincluding: a charging module operatively coupled to the internalelectrical storage module and operatively coupled to the external powersource coupling module, the charging module charging the storageelement; a direct current interface module; and a switching moduleoperatively coupled to electrical storage module, operatively coupled tothe direct current interface module, and operatively coupled to theexternal power source coupling module, the switching module providingenergy from the internal electrical storage module to the direct currentinterface module as a function of the energy provided from the externalpower source coupling module; and a second integrated circuit module,the second integrated circuit module including: a transformer module,the transformer module operatively coupled to the external power sourcecoupling module and the switching module, the transformer moduletransforming alternating current to direct current.
 30. The power supplyapparatus of claim 29, wherein the external power source coupling moduleis configured to have a first position where the at least twoelectrically conductive mechanical elements extend from the housing anda second position where the at least two electrically conductivemechanical elements retract toward the housing.
 31. The power supplyapparatus of claim 30, wherein the external power source coupling moduleis configured to rotate from the first position to the second position.32. The power supply apparatus of claim 29, the integrated circuitmodule further including a user perceptible signal generation module,the signal generation module providing an indication of the energy levelof the internal electrical storage module.
 33. The power supplyapparatus of claim 29, wherein the direct current interface moduleincludes a universal serial bus interface.
 34. The power supplyapparatus of claim 32, wherein the user perceptible signal generationmodule includes a light emitting diode.
 35. A power supply apparatus,including: an external power source coupling module, the external powersource coupling module including at least two electrically conductivemechanical elements and configured to have a first position where the atleast two electrically conductive mechanical elements extend from thehousing and a second position where the at least two electricallyconductive mechanical elements do not extend from the housing, theexternal power source coupling module further configured to receive analternating current signal; an internal electrical storage module, theinternal electrical storage module including a storage element storingand discharging electrical energy; a charging module operatively coupledto the internal electrical storage module and operatively coupled to theexternal power source coupling module, the charging module charging thestorage element; a transformer module, the transformer moduleoperatively coupled to the external power source coupling module and thecharging module, the transformer module generating a direct currentsignal from an alternating current signal received by the external powersource coupling module; and a direct current interface module, thedirect current interface module coupled to the internal electricalstorage module.
 36. The power supply apparatus of claim 35, furtherincluding a user perceptible signal generation module, the signalgeneration module providing an indication of the energy level of theinternal electrical storage module.
 37. The power supply apparatus ofclaim 35, further including a switching module, the switching moduleproviding energy from the internal electrical storage module to thedirect current interface module when the energy provided from theexternal power source coupling module is below a predeterminedthreshold.
 38. The power supply apparatus of claim 35, wherein theinternal electrical storage module storage element includes a battery.39. The power supply apparatus of claim 36, wherein the user perceptiblesignal generation module includes a light emitting diode.
 40. The powersupply apparatus of claim 35, wherein at least a portion of the externalpower source coupling module is configured to rotate from the firstposition to the second position.